UNDERSTANDING TRAUMA & PTSD

Trauma can be a single event or a series of experiences (including neglect, identity-based harm, medical events, or betrayal) that overwhelm the nervous system. PTSD and complex trauma may include flashbacks, nightmares, startle responses, numbness, irritability, shame, or avoidance. These reactions are **survival adaptations**—your system learned to protect you. Therapy helps your body relearn safety and choice.

• Common experiences: hypervigilance, sleep problems, triggers, emotional flooding, dissociation, people-pleasing, or shutdown.
• Impact: relationships, work, sex/intimacy, health behaviors, and daily routines can narrow around danger cues.
• Hope: with paced, consent-centered work, triggers lose intensity and life becomes larger again.

HOW TRAUMA AFFECTS THE NERVOUS SYSTEM (PSYCHOEDUCATION)

• Threat learning: the amygdala tags cues as dangerous; the body reacts before logic. We retrain with safe exposures and context.
• Window of tolerance: hyperarousal (panic/anger) and hypoarousal (numb/shutdown) shrink after trauma; skills widen the window.
• Memory processing: traumatic memories store as vivid sensations/images; therapy helps link them to time/place and reduce charge.
• Shame & isolation: trauma distorts self-blame; compassion and accurate information restore dignity and connection.
• Body-based care: breath, grounding, and somatic practices help your physiology stand down so talk therapy can work better.

THERAPY OPTIONS AT ASTUTE

Trauma-Focused CBT / Cognitive Processing

Update stuck beliefs (guilt, responsibility, trust) and reduce avoidance with paced practice.

Exposure-Based Approaches (as appropriate)

Gradual, consent-centered work with memories/situations to reduce fear and reclaim life.

ACT & DBT-Informed Skills

Grounding, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and values-led actions you can use immediately.

Sleep & Nervous-System Reset

Tools for nightmares, wind-down routines, and triggers that spike at night.

Couples/Relationship Support (Adults)

Translate needs, set boundaries, and create safety and intimacy after trauma.

COORDINATED SUPPORT

• Collaboration with primary care/psychiatry when helpful
• Referrals to community groups and mind–body classes
• Documentation for work/education accommodations as appropriate

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Map: clarify symptoms, triggers, supports, and goals—at your pace.
2. Stabilize: build grounding, sleep, and daily anchors before deeper processing.
3. Process: work with memories and cues safely; expand your window of tolerance.
4. Maintain: relapse-prevention, boundary skills, and plans for tough seasons.

WHY CHOOSE ASTUTE

• Adults-only practice (18+), inclusive and trauma-informed
• Evidence-based therapy with clear pacing and consent
• Practical tools + measurable progress
• In-person (Lakeview, Chicago) and telehealth for Illinois adults